In the backdrop of illegal migration proving a critical battleground in the US Presidential race, illegal labour could soon be replaced by Hadrian X – the bricklaying robot developed by FBR (ASX: FBR) which has just arrived in the United States.
The arrival of Hadrian X after a two month voyage by sea comes as part of FBR’s intentions to expand into the US, where the Company listed on the US OTCQB market in April 2024.
Hadrian X arrived in Fort Myers, Florida, where it will undergo critical Site Acceptance Testing. The next-generation bricklaying robot is set to demonstrate its capabilities through a rigorous testing process that mirrors the previously completed Factory Acceptance Testing. This process will include the construction of a test build outdoors, incorporating bond beam blocks and subject to inspection by an independent structural engineer. The aim is to ensure that the constructed walls meet the design specifications and applicable building standards.
Completion of the Site Acceptance Testing will trigger a USD $600,000 payment from CRH Ventures to FBR, marking a key milestone in the commencement of the Demonstration Program. This program will see FBR constructing the external walls of between five and ten single-storey houses using the Hadrian X robot.
The robot has already proven its efficiency and effectiveness, having successfully constructed a test structure comprising 751 rectified US-format concrete masonry blocks at a lay rate of 330 blocks per hour. This achievement led to a second Demonstration Program progress payment of $800,000 from CRH Ventures.
The upcoming Site Acceptance Test will require the Hadrian X to complete a similar structure, incorporating bond beam blocks, at a lay rate of at least 285 blocks per hour. This will be conducted at the agreed location in Florida with a crew of no more than three personnel. Confirmation from an independent structural engineer will be necessary to validate that the constructed walls are consistent with the design and meet applicable standards.
FBR’s strategic partnership with Liebherr USA Co. will play a crucial role in the maintenance and service of the Hadrian X robots. The two companies have agreed to use Liebherr facilities in Miami, Florida, as a service and maintenance base. This collaboration will facilitate the knowledge transfer of the Hadrian X mechanical and electrical systems and maintenance requirements, with the goal of accelerating the manufacturing ramp-up for more robots to be deployed across the US.
Following the successful completion of this program in Florida, FBR and CRH Ventures aim to form a joint venture to deliver Wall-as-a-Service in the United States where the robot’s ability to build walls faster and cheaper than manual labour makes it most attractive.
This development comes as FBR and Liebherr extend Phase One of their Memorandum of Understanding by 12 months, allowing sufficient time to commence operations, validate key performance targets, and negotiate commercial terms for the global manufacturing and commercialisation of the Hadrian X.
For the 9 months YTD ended 31 March 2024, FBR reported $8.1 million in net operating cash outflow with development costs and staff costs the primary consumer expenses within the Company. As of the end of March, FBR had $11 million of cash on hand at its disposal which included a $8.7 million R&D rebate from the Australian Government as part of FBR’s contribution to tech innovation in Australia.
Mitch Korver is a Business Writer focused on high-growth companies listed on the ASX in the small and medium cap space.
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